Rotary Log: August 22, 2013 (Portsmouth Zoning)

President-Elect Tricia stepped in for a vacationing President Dave and began the meeting with the usual introductory fanfare, including the Pledge of Allegiance.   Guests were announced and the general meeting began following lunch.  The guests were Bob Sheesky, Mike Lalime, Seth McNally and Eric Wells.

New Member Marcie Bergen was then welcomed by Ramona Dow.  Marcie relocated to NH from NY to take on the role of Executive Director for Habitat for Humanity.   Marcie is excited to join the club and assist with fulfilling the club’s mission.

A New Member Policy was then discussed as a reminder to all Rotarians.  Each new Rotarian will receive a directory. All existing members are to introduce themselves to the new member and sign the new member’s directory.   Failure to do so within 8 weeks will result in the existing member’s name being read at a subsequent meeting, and such offense may carry a fine.

Speaking of fines, next up was Finemaster Neal who levied fines based on non-discrimination policies, name changes, insecurities, holding office and various other high offenses.

There being no general announcements, Jim Rini then introduced our speaker, Rick Taintor, the City of Portsmouth’s Planning Director.  Rick made a very interesting presentation on the topic of Form Based zoning, which is a new zoning concept being recognized and embraced nationwide.   The City’s land use regulatory process, especially in urban areas, is developing rapidly and has been the topic of some concern and disagreement among segments of the population.  In the midst of this situation, the City received grant funding which has sparked a movement away from use-based zoning.  The City is now in the process of updating its current 1982 zoning platform with this new approach. 

Studies show that the City’s core is unique with many buildings averaging 2-3 stories in height, with a spattering of buildings in the 4-5 story range.  In fact, 92% of the downtown buildings are less than 45 feet tall, regardless of the fact that in Central Business A the height limit is 60 feet, and in Central Business B it’s 50 feet.

The goal of the new approach to zoning is to create more of a character based zone, where elements of the architecture, lot size, building placement, occupation, green space, parking, and other characteristics of the lot and structure are considered – and not just the use and size.  Rick summarized the new approach to zoning to be more form-based than dimensional.  

Significant work has been done by City officials and a consultant, and the project is now heading for Planning Board work sessions, Planning  Board hearings, public comment and ultimately to the City Council for consideration.  The target for completing the process is prior to the end of 2013.

More information on this project can be found at www.cityofportsmouth.com.

One general announcement followed the presentation:  The Durham Club will be hosting the UNH Football coach on August 28^th during their 7:30am meeting.

The meeting closed with Butch Ricci claiming the raffle of $85.00, but failing to secure the match jackpot – he needed a 3 but drew a 4.  Next week’s match jackpot will be $725.00.  

Departing Rotarians were greeted with a mildly muggy and warm, sunny August day.